Fitness during an economic downturn
You’ve heard that exercise can help alleviate symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. In yesterday’s New York Times article (1), Mandy Katz writes about a few business people who are more determined to concentrate on their health and fitness during our tough economic times. And for those without a job, “Fitness matters more than ever if you’re laid off, career counselors advise, not just for health, but to network and stay positive”.
How are you doing when it comes to sticking to your workout routine right now? If you’re in the Washington, DC area, chances are that you are doing better than average. A recent Washington Post article (2) reported that “Washingtonians are managing stress better than the rest of the nation, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association. And part of our success may be due to a reliance on physical activity: 51 percent of us use exercise to relieve stress, compared with 47 percent nationally.”
Remember the post a while back where I shared the news that the Washington, DC area is the 4th healthiest area in the U.S. due to a wealth of recreational activities and medical care? If not, check it out and start exploring our area!
Most of us are looking to save money wherever possible. If you are interested in personal training or nutrition and wellness services, My Fitness Coach can offer some low-cost alternatives.
STAYING HEALTHY AND SAVING MONEY WITH MY FITNESS COACH:
1. Partner or Group Training: Train with a friend and pay half the price per session.
2. Half Sessions: High-intensity workouts for half the time and half the price, but all of the work and sweat of a full session!
3. Online Training and Coaching: receive workouts via email based on your fitness level, goals and interests and report back on workouts and meals via email or blogging. I will manage your overall program by changing your workout each month to avoid plateaus, helping you achieve more through motivation and encouragement, and review your food choices to ensure that you are eating for optimum health.
Please email me at dring@myfitnesscoach.biz or call me at (703) 517-6073 to design a program that will fit your budget. I look forward to hearing from you!
Danielle, Owner
My Fitness Coach, LLC
(1) “Staying Healthy in a Sick Economy”
By Mandy Katz
New York Times, online.
Published: October 15, 2008
(2) “Therapy With the Gloves On”
By Vicky Hallett
The Washington Post
Tuesday, October 14, 2008; Page HE03
Chris M said,
October 19, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
During the last economic downturn in 2000/2001, I went through a layoff at my company. I knew we were going to get laid off before it happened: our company went from 4200 to 800 people, and our local Arlington office went from 280 people to 13 people. I had also just bought a new car and a house 6 months earlier — talk about stress!
One nice thing about having worked for a dot-com is that they blew a lot of money on things companies would consider somewhat frivolous expenditures today — including a gym and an ice hockey table. Since there wasn’t much work to do, I spent a lot of time in that gym, and I worked out more than I have at any other time in my life. I also got to be an expert at table ice hockey!
Anyhow, I finally did get laid off in February (in the midst of Winter … what a depressing time to get laid off!) of 2001, but was able to manage my stress, avoid depression, and start my own company which is still thriving today. I think that working out had a lot to do with giving me a positive outlook on myself, as well as providing the natural chemical boost to keep my spirits up through a tough time. I think your article is right on the mark!